Edinburgh Rugby: Trialists Beard and Bezuidenhout sign deals

Sam Beard (left) and Carl Bezuidenhout are extremely highly-rated by Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons

Edinburgh have extended the contracts of trialists Sam Beard and Carl Bezuidenhout.

Beard, who has made 13 appearances since arriving from Bay of Plenty in November, has signed a deal until 2016.

South African Bezuidenhout has penned a contract until 2015.

"Sam has the potential to play a big part in our squad in the coming seasons, and Carl's versatility offers a great deal to us," said Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons.

Centre Beard has scored one try for Edinburgh, in the home win over Ospreys in February.

"Sam's a good bloke, a good team man and has fitted in very well here," added Solomons.

Bezuidenhout arrived from an unbeaten Currie Cup championship-winning season with the Pumas, in which he was the tournament's top points scorer.

He made his Edinburgh debut in the home Heineken Cup win over Perpignan and has scored 51 points in his 12 appearances at full-back and stand-off.

"He's endured a tough couple of months, having joined straight from a strenuous Currie Cup winning season, and I feel that he deserves this opportunity to prepare appropriately and play a full season in order to show what he can do," said Solomons.